Virginia's Gateway Region

06/02/2026

We LOVE this tribute. 💙

Virginia’s Gateway Region is where we make things and move things, and this new LOVE sign in beautifully captures both our industrial strength and emerging workforce talent. Special appreciation to the welding students from Rowanty Technical Center who brought it to life.

🔗: https://ow.ly/VaFR50Z1bvz

The town of Alberta in Brunswick County has unveiled a brand new "love" sign, joining communities across the Commonwealth in celebrating what makes Virginia unique.

05/28/2026

Civic and business leaders gathered at Virginia State University in early May for an important conversation about the future of economic development in Virginia’s Gateway Region.

The discussion brought together regional voices to share feedback with Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-4th District) on how to better support entrepreneurs and small business owners across our communities. McClellan listened to every perspective, took notes and engaged thoughtfully on the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

Small businesses remain the backbone of the Gateway Region economy, and conversations like these help strengthen the partnerships needed to support long-term growth and opportunity. VGR Entrepreneur in Residence Tom Stanbury joined fellow regional leaders for the discussion.

05/27/2026

📈 More great momentum in Virginia’s Gateway Region!

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced today that Jabil – a global manufacturing and supply chain company serving many leading brands – will open a manufacturing facility in this fall, ultimately creating 352 new jobs. The facility will produce critical electrical power distribution equipment and energy infrastructure systems for Siemens, supporting growing demand tied to technology, electrification and domestic manufacturing.

“Another premier world manufacturing leader has chosen to locate to the Gateway Region, adding to the growing cluster of tomorrow’s signature technology manufacturers in our region,” VGR President & CEO Keith Boswell said.

We make things. We move things. And we’re building serious momentum across the Gateway Region. Let’s keep it going. 👏

Learn more: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/may-releases/name-1118529-en.html

Watch more: https://youtu.be/JyIP7wD5C_Q?si=LIePSVbq_Qr0_rJh

05/26/2026

Cardinal News recently highlighted the very real stakes surrounding Virginia’s ongoing debate over data center tax policy – and what it could mean for rural communities like those across Virginia’s Gateway Region.

As VGR President Keith Boswell told the publication: “You’re talking about taking away an opportunity that other communities have had.”

For communities working to grow jobs, strengthen infrastructure and create opportunity close to home, these projects are about more than technology. They represent transformative investment potential for schools, public safety, water and sewer upgrades, and high-paying careers in regions too often left out of the conversation.

We appreciate Economic Development Director Natalie Slate for helping articulate what’s at stake for rural Virginia communities and why these conversations matter.

Read more from Cardinal News:

Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles says a data center company looking to build two projects in Greensville County has scratched Virginia from its site list because they don’t know if Virginia …

05/25/2026

Today, Virginia’s Gateway Region honors the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women for their service to our nation. We remember and give thanks.

05/22/2026

📬 The May issue of Gateway Connector is here, and it’s packed with stories highlighting momentum across Virginia’s Gateway Region.

Inside this month’s issue:
▪️ Economic Development Week celebrations
▪️ VGR participation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit
▪️ Regional stories on small business investment and access to capital
▪️ Highlights from Coffee & Connect focused on strengthening storytelling across our communities
▪️ Workforce, partnership and regional growth updates

Read the full issue: https://ow.ly/yvY050Z1bcA

05/21/2026

📍 Big momentum in .

Congratulations to Carolina Structural Systems on opening its new 40,000-square-foot facility this week in the Greensville County Industrial Park – the company’s third and largest location to date.
The project will create 58 new jobs and includes a commitment to purchase nearly $400,000 in Virginia-grown forestry products, reinforcing the strength of our region’s manufacturing and forestry economy.

This week's announcement also reflects the power of regional competitiveness, with Greensville County successfully securing the project over sites in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Strategically located along I-95, the new facility strengthens access to key East Coast markets while further positioning Virginia’s Gateway Region as a premier location for advanced manufacturing and wood products industries.

Congratulations to owner Dave Green and the entire Carolina Structural Systems team, along with our partners in Greensville County, on this exciting milestone. 🌲🏗️

📷: Greensville County Board of Supervisors James Brown and Tony Conwell join owner Dave Green, Greensville County Director of Economic Development Natalie Slate and Interim County Administrator Gary Cifers at the open house.

05/20/2026

Small businesses are the backbone of communities across Virginia’s Gateway Region, creating jobs, building relationships and driving local momentum.

VGR was glad to join business owners and community leaders in Emporia earlier this month for the Business Appreciation Social at Nature's Market Cafe. Special thanks to Shanetta Denise Beck, community and economic development director, for helping bring together an evening focused on celebrating and supporting local businesses.

VGR Enrepreneur in Residence Tom Stansbury was there to connect with employers and entrepreneurs from across the region.

📷: Shanetta Beck

05/19/2026

Virginia’s Gateway Region recently brought together economic development partners from Hopewell and Colonial Heights with peers at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for a lunch conversation centered on “The Art of the Possible.”

Lenny Caballero shared how Colonial Heights, Virginia continues to think creatively about growth and redevelopment despite limited available space, noting the city’s financial strength and stable leadership as key advantages.

Charles Bennett highlighted 's commitment to making every square foot count while creating opportunities for companies to build and manufacture products that “make life possible.”

Conversations like these strengthen regional collaboration and help communities across Virginia’s Gateway Region continue identifying new pathways for investment and opportunity.